Lares to Machu Picchu 4D/3N "Hot Springs"

Starting from only USD 470/person.

This trek combines beautiful lakes, local Quechua farming and weaving communities
who are still living in the stone houses almost like on the Inca time. The trail
goes over the highland communities with unforgettable views of the magnificent mountains,
herds of llamas, and alpacas and finally arriving to Lares-hot spring for lunch
on the third day of the trek, in the afternoon the group take the train from Ollantaytambo
to Aguas Calientes to spend the night and the last day we go up to Machupicchu to
see the sun rise and explore the Inca site.

DAY 1: CUSCO TO YANAHURA-PUKARA-YURAQ COCHA (7 km, hours 5 ½)

Pick up from your hotel is at 6:00 am. After a 1 hour drive on our private bus through
the Sacred Valley passing Chinchero we will stop at Urubamba for about 40 minutes.
Here we’ll have breakfast and you have the possibility to buy any last minute things
like snacks and drinks. We will then continue for another 40 minutes on the bus
to Yanahuara-Pukara (3’100 m), which is the starting point for the trek. We start
to hike up through the valley and along the way we will be able to see endemic vegetation
of polilepis inkana and other species of trees and bushes typical for this area.
We will also encounter various species of birds like cone bills, humming birds etc.
After approximately 2 ½ hours of walking upwards we will have lunch. We will continue
our way up the valley for another 3 hours and eventually reach our first camping
side Ruraq Cocha which means white lake (4’100m). Large herds of Lamas and Alpacas
will spend the night near us.

DAY 2: RURAQ COCHA TO WACAHUASI (13km, hours 8)

After breakfast at 8:00 am we will start going further uphill and we will arrive
at lake Auray Cocha (4’300m) after around 1 ½ hour. We will continue our way up
for another 1 ½ hours to get to the highest point on this trail - Puerto Wacahuasi
(4’600m). From here we have stunning view over the surrounding mountains. We will
gently descend for about 2 hours to the lunch spot Suntur Huyqo (4’100m). The trail
continues downwards and it will take us 3 hours to get to Wacahuasi (3’800m). Here
we will learn about the weaving techniques adopted by local people and be able to
admire some of their high quality ponchos, blanckets, chullos (wool hats) and other
garments.

DAY 3: WACAHUSI - LARES HOT SPRING – AGUAS CALIENTES (8km, hours 3½)

After an early breakfast we walk down for approximately 3 hours and eventually reach
the Lares hot spring. Here we will have plenty of time to jump into the warm water
pools and take a refreshing shower. After lunch our private bus will be waiting
to take us farther down the valley to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo, which we will
reach after a 2 ½ hour bus ride. In Ollantaytambo you can admire some nice Inca
ruins, impressive terraces and enjoy a glass of good chicha (fermented corn beer)
in a local bar. In the early afternoon we will catch the train to Aguas Calientes.
Total journey time on the train is about 1 ½ hour. We will spend the night in a
hostal in Aguas Calientes where you will have opportunity to take hot showers and
a good sleep before your great day in Machupicchu.

DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES TO MACHUPICCHU AND BACK TO CUSCO

This last day starts very early. We will wake you up at around 04:30, have breakfast
and then take one of the first buses to Machupicchu. There are two good reasons
to be at the entrance of Machupicchu very early: 1.) It is well worth the effort
to get up early as the Inca city is quietest in the early morning and you will have
plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the sun rise over Machupicchu. 2.) Only
400 people (the first 400) are allowed to hike Waynapicchu per day. Our guide will
give you a tour around Machupicchu telling you about the history of Machupicchu
and the most important buildings. Of course he will also take you to the classical
post card picture spot (Funerary Rock Hut), this vantage point offers a terrifc
view of the whole complex. After that you will have free time to explore the site
on your own again or if you still have plenty of energy you should climb Waynapichu
Mountain. This is the steep mountain dominating the background of Machupicchu. From
the top of Waynapichu you have an absolutely stunning and breathtaking view of the
complete Machupicchu area. It takes 1 hour to climb Waynapichu and 1 to 1 ½ hours
(depending if you want to make a detour to the great cavern) to return down. Once
you feel that you have seen every corner of Machupicchu you will take a bus down
to the village of Aguas Calientes to have lunch. Usually we take the bus at around
1:00 pm. The bus ride takes around 25 minutes and your guides will give you the
ticket. Make sure that, before you leave Machupicchu by bus, the guides give you
time and location of the restaurant where the group meets in Aguas Calientes. You
will get your train and bus tickets back to Cusco in the restaurant in Aguas Calientes.

INCLUDED:

Transportation: Bus from Cusco to start of trek at Pukara (Yanahuara). Bus from
end of trek at Lares Hot spring to Ollantaytambo. Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas
Calientes. Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu. Bus from Machupicchu to Aguas
Calientes. Train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.

Accommodation: Hostal in Aguas Calientes on the 3rd night (based on 2 people sharing
one room)

All meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners. Food includes pancakes, omelets,
soups, fresh fruits, chicken, fish, meat, rice, pasta and hot drinks including coca
leaf tea which is very effective against altitude sickness. Tea time every afternoon
(tea, coffee, biscuits and popcorn). Every morning and afternoon warm water to clean
yourself up. We can also provide vegetarian meals and special diets. Just let us
know in advance or during the briefing on the evening before the trekking.

Horsemen and horses to carry the tents, food, cooking equipment and your personal
equipment such as mattress, sleeping bag and clothing to change. A maximum of 6
kilos per person. An emergency horse in case someone needs help and is not able
to continue walking.